Quarry opponents enlist support from river group

Opponents of a proposed stone quarry in Americus say their mission is similar to that of Wabash River Enhancement Corp., which is working to improve water quality and opportunity for people to access the natural setting.
Chris Morisse Vizza/Journal & Courier

Buy Photo

A sign against the proposed Rogers Group Inc. stone quarry between the Wabash River and Old Indiana 25 in Americus. On May 12, Rogers Group withdrew, for the time being, its request for a special exception to operate a quarry so the company could address the concerns of area residents.
(Photo:
John Terhune/Journal & Courier
)Buy Photo

In a relatively short amount of time, members of the Americus Area Community Coalition have forged a united front against the Rogers Group Inc.'s plan for a 524-acre stone quarry in the heart of their small town.

Now, the 200 residents who live within a 1¼ miles of the proposed quarry site between the Wabash River and Old Indiana 25 are finding common bonds with groups outside their area.

About 70 people gathered Thursday night at Buck Creek Community Center for an update on the campaign to stop the quarry.

Audience members were pleased with Lambert's response when he was asked how the quarry at 8032 Old Indiana 25 would impact the river enhancement plans.

"It would significantly impact the plans we have in a nonpositive way," Lambert said. "The board is really concerned, and they are very impressed with what you are doing."

Lambert said the river enhancement board will likely take a public stand on the quarry before Rogers Group re-files its request for a special exception with the Tippecanoe County Board of Zoning Appeals.

Nate Hofmann, vice president of the Americus coalition, was optimistic about winning the board's support.

"My interpretation of it was this is not a good fit," he said. "The quarry does not fit a greenspace plan for Americus."

Rogers Group announced last week that it was withdrawing the special exception request to concentrate on addressing resident concerns about the quarry's impact on ground water, the environment, noise and dust, and heavy truck traffic on the curvy two-lane road.

Coalition members see the withdrawal as a delay tactic.

"They can re-apply at any time and only give us 28 days notice," coalition co-president Bill Miller said. "This could drag out, but we are not going away.

"We are going to keep battling and we will be prepared whenever Rogers Group decides to apply again for the quarry."